If you or your child have symptoms of norovirus (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, sometimes with a fever), stay home! You or your child should be free of all symptoms for at least 24 hours before returning to work or school. If you work as a food handler or work in healthcare or in a daycare, do not return to work until 3 days (72 hours) after symptoms have resolved.

Do Not Prepare Food While Infected – Wait 3 Days

People with norovirus illness should not prepare food for others while they have symptoms. They should not prepare food for others until 3 days after symptoms have resolved.

Clean and Disinfect Contaminated Surfaces

Norovirus is extremely hardy, and can live on surfaces for days to weeks.

Standard household cleaners do NOT kill norovirus. If someone has been ill with vomiting or diarrhea, wipe down all surfaces with either

Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with vomit or stool. Handle soiled items carefully, without agitating them, to avoid spreading the virus. If available, wear rubber or disposable gloves while handling soiled clothing or linens. Wash your hands after handling. The items should be washed with detergent at the maximum available cycle length and then machine dried.